Healing "Soles"
I have always worked in a caring profession, and have always been fascinated by the uniqueness, and miracles of what the human body can achieve. I was first introduced to reflexology over 25 years ago, when I was suffering from acute panic attacks. I found that weekly sessions of reflexology greatly reduced my symptoms. It was a combination of mild medical treatment, therapy, and reflexology that brought my body back to optimum health.
The perfect world would be, if we could imagine a three legged stool; Medical Doctors and therapy, supplements and RX, and holistic practitioners. We would all work together in harmony to give the best possible results to every single human being. If we could all try to integrate the three different legs of the stool; by remembering to treat the mind, body, and soul, there would be a lot less build up of pain, stresses, and strains that we all encounter from everyday life.
What exactly is reflexology?
Reflexology is believed to have originated in China and India as long as 5,000 years ago. But, Egyptians are sited as among the earliest reflexologists. *Reflexology was reborn in the West in the 1890's by a German physician known as Dr. Alfons Cornelius. It was brought to the United States by Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American surgeon who found that he could perform minor surgical procedures if pressure was applied to specific reflex points on the patient's body. In fact, when President Nixon was visiting China in the 70's his appendix burst, and he was operated on using no anesthesia, only reflexology. This is a prime example of the relaxed state that the body can achieve while reflexology is being applied.
Reflexology is the art of promoting overall well-being by manipulating the body's extremities most commonly the feet, but you can access the reflex points through the hands or ears also. It is very different from a foot massage. To ensure full benefit, the treatment should last for 1 hour. The beauty of reflexology is that it is not in any way invasive, you only have to remove your socks.
Did you know that we have 77,000 nerve endings in the soles of our feet and that each part of our body is linked to a specific zone?
When certain zones are manipulated the flow of vital energy is stimulated at its corresponding body part. To a reflexologist' eyes your feet display a complex map of all the organs and systems of your body.
What are the potential benefits to reflexology?
- Relieves everyday stress.
- Greatly improves circulation.
- Helps remove toxins and waste from the body.
- Restores balance.
- Increases energy by opening up energetic pathways.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Rejuvenates and harmonizes the overall body
I have witnessed the amazing results that can be achieved by practicing this modality of health. Some of the ailments I have seen disappear through the treatment of reflexology are; severe sinus and teeth problems, anxiety and depression, arthritis, extreme fatigue, Lyme disease, lupus, skin cancer, fibromyalgia, neck and shoulder pain, PMS, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Children and infants respond beautifully to reflexology treatments. One 10 year old client of mine stated, that she felt as though she was lying on a cloud and floating in mid air. She said, she had never felt anything like it in her life. Her pain disappeared and she couldn't stop smiling. She didn't want to get up for fear the euphoric feeling would go away.
I am only the instrument working the body's reflexes. The intelligence lies in our own bodies. I am grateful to be able to witness the miracle of healing through the “soles“ of my clients.
Siobhan (pronounced Shivon) Raftery-Morey is a certified reflexologist. She lives in Vineyard Haven year round with her husband Peter, and daughter Meghan. Siobhan makes house, hotel, and boat calls. To contact Siobhan and book an appointment call 508-696-1981.
Resource; *The Art of Reflexology" by Nancy Arnott published by Andrews McMeel- Ariel Books
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